Going online in 2026 often means navigating a flood of generative AI tools embedded in everyday services. Google Search now includes AI-generated summaries of links, called AI Overviews, which automatically provide answers to queries alongside standard results. While helpful for some, many users prefer a more traditional search experience with direct links to websites.
A simple trick allows users to temporarily avoid AI Overviews: type “–ai” at the end of a search query. This keyboard shortcut, highlighted by WIRED, blocks AI summaries from appearing in the results on desktop browsers. Other variations using an en dash, such as “–1” or “–z”, work similarly. The feature leverages Google’s existing search syntax for removing topics, with the suppression of AI Overviews appearing as an unintended but useful side effect.
A Google spokesperson told WIRED that AI Overviews are designed to enhance the search experience, similar to knowledge panels, and most users interact with the feature rather than bypass it. The company offers a Web filter to show only site links, though it is rarely used.
It’s worth noting that the –ai trick is largely limited to desktop searches. On iOS apps like Safari and Chrome, AI Overviews still appear, though users can sometimes revert to a Classic Search view to see standard links and video previews. On Android devices, such as Google Pixel phones, the –ai command effectively removes AI summaries from the results.
For those seeking a more permanent AI-free search experience, alternative engines like DuckDuckGo and Brave allow users to toggle AI summaries on or off without changing browsers. Google also permits changing the default search engine in Chrome settings.
AI Overviews, first introduced in 2024, were widely criticized for errors — including one notorious instance suggesting pizza could be baked with glue. Google maintains that accuracy has improved, but generative AI tools remain prone to occasional inaccuracies. As a result, some users prefer to bypass AI summaries entirely and go straight to the source websites for verification.
In short, adding “–ai” to your Google search query can give a brief respite from AI-generated content — a small but effective step for those longing for the simpler days of plain blue links.